US, Saudi Arabia launch strikes on Iran-aligned militias in Iraq after attempted drone attacks

CAIRO – 29 July 2026: US and Saudi forces carried out coordinated airstrikes against Iran-aligned militias in eastern Iraq on Wednesday, accusing them of attempting to target Saudi energy facilities.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement that US and Saudi fighter jets struck multiple logistics hubs and weapons storage sites used by the militants across eastern Iraq.

CENTCOM accused Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of directing the Iraqi militias to attack US forces and Saudi energy infrastructure.

The attacks came “in a strong response to over 30 IRGC-directed aerial drone attacks in the last 72 hours,” the statement added.

Casualties Reported

Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), an umbrella group of Iran-aligned militias, said at least 20 of its fighters were killed and 32 others wounded in US-Saudi strikes.

The PMF said the attacks targeted several of its headquarters across Iraq, including in the capital, Baghdad, causing "varying degrees of damage" to several headquarters, military vehicles, and equipment.

The group added that the casualty figures are preliminary, stating that the death toll and number of injured could rise as search operations and damage assessments continue.

'Right to Self-Defense'

Separately, Saudi Arabia confirmed its participation in the operation, saying the strikes came in response to drone attacks launched by Iraqi militants that attempted to target oil facilities in Eastern Province and Riyadh.

In a statement posted on X, the Saudi Ministry of Defense reaffirmed the Kingdom’s right to self-defense, saying it does not seek escalation but will respond to any aggression against it.

CENTCOM accused Iran-backed militias in Iraq of carrying out more than 600 attempted attacks against US citizens and facilities between February and April.

It warned that the IRGC and affiliated groups must halt such operations or face additional US military action.

Iran Denies Involvement

An Iranian defense official rejected claims linking Tehran to projectiles launched from neighboring countries toward targets in Saudi Arabia.

Speaking to state television, the unnamed official said accusations that Iran is behind attacks on US interests in the region reflected a “major miscalculation.”